Two-piece droplet dispensing closure

Abstract

A two-piece dispensing closure (10) for dispensing essential oils, the two-piece dispensing closure comprising an insert (12) that is received in a container opening and a closure body (14) that includes a dispensing spout (32) and a hinged cap (46). The cap is connected to the closure body by a living hinge (48) to allow a user to selectively open and close the container (900). A tamper-evident tear band (66) is integrally formed with the closure body (14). The insert and the closure body include cooperating helical ramps (30, 44) that cooperate to ensure that the insert (12) remains installed within the container neck (904) when the closure body (14) is removed after purchase.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0002] (1) TECHNICAL FIELD: The present invention relates to dispensing closures for containers, and more particularly to a two-piece dispensing closure for precise dispensing of essential oils or other fluids.

[0003] (2) BACKGROUND: Dispensing containers are used in all walks of life for dispensing a variety of liquid products. For example, dispensing containers can be used for shampoo, lotion, condiments, beverages, or oils. As integrated dispensing closures become more prevalent in all industries, consumers drive these closures to be used on an ever-expanding array of products and packaging, while product manufacturers drive unique solutions and reduced costs to facilitate sales. SUMMARY

[0004] A droplet dispensing closure for precise dispensing of essential oils or other fluids from a container having a threaded neck, the droplet dispensing closure comprising an insert body received in the neck of the container, and a closure body received around the insert body and threadably connectable to the container neck. The dispensing closure components include mating helical surfaces that are specifically configured and arranged to ensure that the insert body remains inserted within the container neck when the closure body is removed after purchase, and to maintain alignment of the dispensing spout during reassembly by the consumer.

[0005] The container in the exemplary embodiment is a glass bottle for containing essential oils that are dispensed in small amounts for aromatic use, topical or internal use. The bottle container includes a body portion and an externally threaded neck.

[0006] The insert body includes a backflow recess, a vent tube extending from the backflow recess, a dispensing aperture in the backflow recess, a radially flange extending outwardly from the backflow recess, and circumferentially spaced helical ramps on an upper surface of the flange surrounding the backflow recess.

[0007] The closure body includes an annular closure platform having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, an annular internally threaded mounting skirt about the outer periphery, circumferentially spaced helical ramps on a lower surface of the closure platform surrounding the inner periphery, and a cap connected to the mounting skirt by a living hinge.

[0008] The neck finish and mounting skirt are provided with clockwise oriented threads for clockwise closure rotation (downward linear translation). The cooperating helical surfaces on the closure and insert are configured to create a counterclockwise ratcheting (engaging) motion. Clockwise rotation of the closure during mounting engages opposite end walls of the helical ramps, causing the insert body to rotate with the closure body and driving the insert body downward into the neck opening. The 120 degree spacing of the three helical ramps ensures forward alignment of the dispensing orifice. Conversely, during counterclockwise unscrewing of the closure (upward translation), the cooperating helical surfaces slide relative to one another, but also create an opposing downward translation force on the insert body, thereby retaining the insert body within the container neck as the closure body is removed. Retention of the insert body within the container neck is an important safety feature for preventing unwanted access to the full contents of the container. Many of the essential oils contained in these types of dispensing systems are potent, and preventing unwanted spillage or accidental dispensing of a large dose is a critical safety concern.

[0009] Some embodiments can include a tamper-evident skirt ring connected to the lower periphery of the mounting skirt by a plurality of frangible security elements. Removal of the closure from the bottle or container prior to purchase will sever the frangible elements, thereby clearly indicating the opening of the product.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention can include a tamper-evident tear band that prevents a user from opening the cap without at least partially detaching the tear band from the cap.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention can include a dual hermetic seal around the backflow recess and dispensing spout.

[0012] Some embodiments of the present invention can include a plug seal with the bottle neck and / or a plug seal in or around the dispensing spout.

[0013] While embodiments of the present invention have been described with respect to the features that are set forth in the specification, it is understood that various combinations of these features are also encompassed by specific embodiments of the present invention and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims rather than the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the various embodiments of the present invention can be more readily understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a two-piece droplet dispensing closure according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the droplet dispensing closure with the cap in the open position;

[0017] Figure 3 is yet another perspective view of the droplet dispensing closure from the rear;

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the droplet dispensing closure from the rear with the cap open;

[0019] Figure 5 is yet another perspective view of the droplet dispensing closure from the bottom;

[0020] Figure 6 is an elevational view of the droplet dispensing closure;

[0021] Figure 7 is a right side view of the droplet dispensing closure;

[0022] Figure 8 is a top view of the droplet dispensing closure;

[0023] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the droplet dispensing closure taken along line 9-9 of Figure 1

[0024] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the droplet dispensing closure;

[0025] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the insert body;

[0026] Figure 12 is a top view of the insert body;

[0027] Figure 13 is a side view of the insert body;

[0028] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the closure body;

[0029] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the closure body taken along line 15-15 of Figure 14

[0030] is a cross-sectional view of the closure body taken along line 16-16 of Figure 16 Figure 14 is an elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing closure;

[0031] Figure 17 is an elevational view of another exemplary embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 18

[0033] ​​​Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary configuration of the closure assembly; and

[0034] Figure 20 This is a front view of the insert body of the droplet distribution closure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, a dispensing closure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, and its... Figures 1 to 16 The general designation is 10. As will be described more fully below, the dispensing closure 10 provides a two-piece dispensing closure for dispensing oil or other fluids from a bottle-shaped container 900 with a threaded neck (see below). Figure 1 and Figure 9 ).

[0036] The container 900 in the exemplary embodiment may include a bottle (glass or plastic) for containing essential oils (or other fluids) dispensed in small measured amounts (droplets) for aromatherapy purposes, topical and / or internal use. Generally, the container 900 includes a body portion 902 and an externally threaded neck 904 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 9 The shape of the main body of container 900 is not important to this invention.

[0037] The dispensing closure 10 is particularly effective for the precise dispensing of test droplets of essential oils or other fluids as described above, which may have different viscosities and potencies over a wide range of products.

[0038] An exemplary embodiment of the closure 10 includes an insert body 12 received in the neck 904 of the container 900, and a closure body 14 received around the insert body 12 and threadedly or otherwise connected to the neck 904 of the container.

[0039] Typically, the dispensing closure components 12, 14 may include mating helical ratchet surfaces that are specifically configured and arranged to ensure that if the closure body 14 is removed after purchase, the insert body 12 remains inserted within the container neck 904 and that the dispensing nozzle remains aligned during consumer reassembly.

[0040] As in Figures 9 to 13 As best seen in some embodiments, the insert body 12 includes a reflux recess 16 having a bottom wall 18 and side walls 20, and a vent 22 extending downward from the bottom wall of the reflux recess. The vent 22 has a vent 24 at its bottom end. A dispensing hole 26 is located in the bottom wall of the reflux recess, and a radial flange 28 extends outward from the side wall 20 of the reflux recess. Circumferentially spaced spiral ramps 30 are located on the upper surface of the flange 28 surrounding the reflux recess 16. (Refer to...) Figure 9 (See the circled area) and Figure 13It can be seen that the helical ramp 30 has a slight outward and downward taper, being thinner at its outward edge.

[0041] A tubular dispensing spout 32 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 18 of the backflow recess 16 around the dispensing aperture 26. While certain disclosure is provided herein for exemplary embodiments effective for dispensing essential oils, the present invention has broader applicability to other fluids and the disclosure should not be specifically limited to these examples themselves.

[0042] The spout 32 is provided with a drip lip 34 having a front drip edge and a rear edge, the drip lip 34 being angled downwardly from the front edge toward the rear edge, i.e., from the front side of the closure 10 toward the rear side. The front edge of the drip lip 34 has an acute edge less than 45 degrees to provide clean drop truncation that minimizes backflow. The bottom wall 18 of the backflow recess 16 is also angled downwardly from the front edge toward the rear edge of the drip lip 34, and the vent tube 22 is located on the rear edge side (downwardly angled side) of the drip lip 34. It is noted that the vent opening 24 also serves as a backflow opening into the interior of the container 900. Positioning the vent tube 22 at the rear side of the closure 10 facilitates allowing free vent flow during product dispensing. It is understood that when the container 900 is inverted and tilted to dispense the product, the vent tube 22 and the vent opening 24 will be located above the oil or product level in the container 900, thereby providing a free path for air to enter the interior of the container 900 during dispensing.

[0043] As best seen in Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the closure body 14 includes an annular closure platform 36 having an inner periphery 38 and an outer periphery 40, and an annular inner threaded mounting skirt 42 extending around the outer periphery 40. Circumferentially spaced helical ramps 44 are located on the lower surface of the closure platform 36 around the inner periphery 38. As noted above, the helical ramps 44 are slightly outwardly and downwardly inclined. A cap 46 is connected to the mounting skirt 42 by a living hinge 44, such as the bow living hinge shown. The living hinge 44 provides hinged movement of the cap 46 between a closed position Figure 1 and Figure 3 and an open position Figure 2 and Figure 4 for dispensing.

[0044] Referring to Figure 9 , Figure 15 and Figure 16, the bottleneck 904 and the mounting skirt 42 are provided with clockwise oriented threads for clockwise closure or mounting rotation (downward linear translation of the closure body 14 relative to the container 900). In contrast, the cooperating helical surfaces on the closure body 14 and the insert body 12 are configured to create a counterclockwise ratcheting (engaging) motion. It should be noted here that the initial assembly of the insert body 12 and the closure body 14 with the container neck 904 at the manufacturer is accomplished in a press fit operation such that the forward lip of the dispensing spout 32 is oriented and aligned with the hinge 44. There can be instances where a user can want to remove the closure body 14 and / or the insert body 12. However, the securement of the insert body 12 within the container neck 904 is an important safety feature to prevent unwanted or accidental access to the entire contents of the container. Many of the essential oils contained in these types of dispensing systems are potent and it is a critical safety concern to prevent unwanted spillage or accidental dispensing of a large dose.

[0045] In this regard, during counterclockwise unscrewing of the closure body 14 (upward translation of the closure body 14 relative to the container 900), the cooperating helical ramp surfaces 30B, 44B slide relative to one another creating an opposing downward translation force on the insert body 12, thereby maintaining the insert body 12 within the container neck 904 as the closure body 14 is removed. Thereafter, the user will need to forcibly remove the insert body 12 from the container neck 904.

[0046] In contrast, clockwise rotation of the closure body 14 during reinstallation or reassembly engages the opposing end walls 30A, 44A (see Figure 10 ) of the helical ramps 30, 44, rotating the insert body 12 with the closure body 14 and driving the insert body 12 downward into the neck opening 904. In some embodiments, the helical ramps 30, 44 can comprise 3 helical ramps spaced 120 degrees apart, which ensures that the dispensing aperture 26 and spout 32 are aligned in a forward facing position (albeit slightly offset by the 120 degree spacing) when the closure body 14 is engaged. The dispensing closure 10 is effective in these offset positions as long as the dispensing lip of the spout 32 does not exceed the 120 degree offset.

[0047] The outer surface of the side wall 20 of the backflow recess 16 is profiled and dimensioned for frictional sealing engagement with the inner surface of the container neck 904 to provide a seal (see Figure 9 ) when the closure body 14 is threadably received on the container neck. The outer surface can include an interference or sealing bead 50 for a tight seal with the inner surface of the container neck 904.

[0048] To provide an air-tight seal between the closure body 14 and the cap 46, an annular sealing lip 52 extends upwardly from the reflow recess 16, while the cap 46 includes concentrically spaced annular sealing walls 54, 56 depending downwardly from its upper wall. The annular sealing lip 52 includes a sealing bead at its upper periphery extending both radially inwardly and radially outwardly (see Figure 9 ). The concentric annular sealing walls 54, 56, in turn, include sealing beads extending toward the sealing lip 52. When the cap 46 is in the closed position Figure 9 ), the annular sealing walls 54, 56 engage the annular sealing lip 52 to form a double air-tight seal on the outside and inside of the sealing lip 52. The air-tight seal protects the quality of the product within the container 900 and prevents excessive evaporation of the contents during periods of storage between uses.

[0049] To further seal the container, the cap 46 also includes a plug seal 58 depending downwardly from the upper wall which engages concentrically with the interior of the spout 32 to form another seal.

[0050] A tamper-evident skirt ring 60, if included, is connected to the lower periphery of the mounting skirt 42 by a plurality of frangible security elements 62 (see Figure 5 ). The skirt ring 60 includes an inwardly turned flange 64 at its lower edge, while the bottle neck 904 includes an external tapered ridge 906. In mounting the closure 10 onto the container 900, the flange 64 will ride over the tapered ridge 906 and seat itself on the lower edge of the ridge. This arrangement allows the closure 10 to be threaded onto the bottle neck 904 without interfering with the skirt ring 60. However, unscrewing or removing the closure 10 from the container 900 prior to purchase will break the frangible elements 62, thereby clearly indicating that the product has been tampered with.

[0051] The arcuate tamper-evident tear band 66 is integrally formed with the closure platform 36, with the tear band being connected to the closure platform by a plurality of frangible elements 68 extending between the lower edge of the tear band 66 and the closure platform 36. The tear band 66 is selectively removable from the closure platform 36 by breaking the frangible elements 68. An exemplary embodiment includes spaced locking tabs 70 formed on the outer surface of the cap 46, with the locking tabs 70 being positioned to engage similar spaced shoulder openings 72 formed on the lower edge of the tear band 66. In an exemplary embodiment, the pair of spaced locking tabs 70 extend from the front of the cap 46 to provide a distributed lifting force against the tear band 66. The locking tabs 70 have tapered surfaces that slide behind the tear band 66 and a tab surface that seats itself under the shoulder lower edge. In use, the locking tabs 70 and shoulder openings 72 cooperate to prevent movement of the cap 46 from the closed position to the open position without the tear band 66 being removed from the closure platform 36. Premature lifting of the cap 46 prior to purchase or intended use will break the frangible elements 68, thereby clearly indicating that the product has been tampered with.

[0052] At the front of the closure body 14, a snap tab 74 is also provided that engages a snap bead 76 formed on the lower periphery of the front of the cap 46. These snap configurations securely hold the front of the cap 46 in the closed position both before and after the tear band 66 is broken and removed.

[0053] Turning to Figure 17 , an alternative embodiment of a closure is shown and generally indicated at 100. The closure 100 has all of the same features and attributes as the previous embodiment 10, except for the shape of the shoulder openings 172 of the tamper-evident tear band 166. As best seen in Figure 17 , one of the shoulder openings 172A is enlarged to allow for slightly upward travel of the corresponding locking tab 170, which in turn provides additional leverage to facilitate removal of the tear band 166. The use and capping operation are the same as previously described.

[0054] At this point, turning to Figure 18 , another alternative embodiment of a closure is shown and generally indicated at 200. The closure 200 has all of the same features and attributes as the previous embodiments, except for the shape of the shoulder openings 272 of the tamper-evident tear band 266. As best seen in Figure 18 , the shoulder openings 272 are each enlarged to allow for upward travel of the corresponding locking tab 270, which provides additional leverage to facilitate removal of the tear band 266. The use and capping operation are the same as previously described.

[0055] Figure 19 and Figure 20Another configuration of a closure, generally indicated at 300, is shown that includes an insert body 312 and a closure body 314. The closure 300 has all the same features and attributes as the previous embodiments except for the taper orientation of the helical ramps. As described above, the helical ramps 30 and 44 have a slight outward and downward taper, being thicker near the recess wall and thinner at the outer edge. In this embodiment, the helical ramps 330 and 344 have an opposite taper (inward and downward), being thinner at the recess wall and thicker at the outer edge. As best seen in Figure 19 the inward taper can provide an improved sealing point of the lower surface of the insert ramp 330 with the inward portion of the upper lip of the container neck 904.

[0056] In some embodiments, the container, insert body, and closure body can be described as constituent parts of an integrated closure system.

[0057] While certain specific structures embodying the application have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications in the components and arrangements of the parts can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept, and that the same are not limited to the specific forms herein shown and described except insofar as demarcated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A dispensing closure comprising: an insert body comprising: a reflow recess; a vent tube extending from the reflow recess; a dispensing aperture located in the reflow recess; a radial flange extending outwardly from the reflow recess; and circumferentially spaced helical ramps on an upper surface of the flange surrounding the reflow recess; and a closure body comprising: an annular closure deck having an inner periphery and an outer periphery defining a central opening through the closure body and a lower surface having circumferentially spaced helical ramps formed directly in the lower surface around the inner periphery about the central opening; an annular inwardly threaded mounting skirt about the outer periphery; and a cap connected to the mounting skirt by a living hinge.

2. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein, There are three circumferentially spaced ramps that are spaced 120 degrees apart.

3. The dispensing closure of claim 1 further comprising: an arcuate tamper-evident tear band integrally formed with the closure deck, the tear band connected to the closure deck by a plurality of frangible elements extending between a lower edge of the tear band and the closure deck; and at least one locking tab formed on an outer surface of the cap, the locking tab positioned to engage a shoulder opening formed on a lower edge of the tear band when the cap is in a closed position.

4. The dispensing closure of claim 3 comprising two spaced locking tabs on the cap and corresponding spaced shoulder openings in the tear band.

5. The dispensing closure of claim 4, wherein, The shoulder openings are the same size.

6. The dispensing closure of claim 4, wherein, One shoulder opening is larger than the other.

7. The dispensing closure of claim 4, wherein, The size of at least one of the shoulder openings is configured to allow for slight upward movement of the corresponding locking tab.

8. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein, The helical ramps have an outward taper.

9. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein, The helical ramps have an inward taper.

10. The dispensing closure of claim 1, wherein, The cap and the insert body further comprise a seal about the dispensing aperture.

11. A dispensing closure comprising: an insert body comprising: a reflow recess having a sidewall and a floor; a vent tube depending from the floor; a vent opening located in the vent tube; a tubular spout extending upwardly from the floor; a dispensing aperture located in the tubular spout; a radial flange extending outwardly from the sidewall; and circumferentially spaced helical ramps on an upper surface of the flange surrounding the reflow recess, the reflow recess receivable within a neck of a container, an outer surface of the reflow recess engaging an inner surface of the neck and the flange engaging an upper lip of the neck; and a closure body comprising: an annular closure deck having an inner periphery and an outer periphery defining a central opening through the closure body and a lower surface, the lower surface having circumferentially spaced helical ramps formed directly in the lower surface around the inner periphery about the central opening; an annular inwardly threaded mounting skirt about the outer periphery; and a cap connected to the mounting skirt by a living hinge.

12. The dispensing closure of claim 11, wherein, There are three circumferentially spaced ramps that are 120 degrees apart.

13. The dispensing closure of claim 11, further comprising: an arcuate tamper-evident tear band integrally formed with the closure deck, the tear band connected to the closure deck by a plurality of frangible elements extending between a lower edge of the tear band and the closure deck; and at least one locking tab formed on an outer surface of the cap, the locking tab positioned to engage a shoulder opening formed on a lower edge of the tear band when the cap is in the closed position.

14. The dispensing closure of claim 13, comprising two spaced locking tabs on the cap and corresponding spaced shoulder openings in the tear band.

15. The dispensing closure of claim 14, wherein, The shoulder openings are the same size.

16. The dispensing closure of claim 14, wherein, One shoulder opening is larger than the other.

17. The dispensing closure of claim 14, wherein, At least one of the shoulder openings is sized to allow slight upward movement of the corresponding locking tab.

18. The dispensing closure of claim 11, wherein, The helical ramp has an outward taper.

19. The dispensing closure of claim 11, wherein, The helical ramp has an inward taper.

20. The dispensing closure of claim 11, wherein, The cap and the insert body further comprise a seal around the dispensing aperture.

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